1 Samuel 11:1. Then That is, about that time; for that this happened before, and was the occasion of their desire of a king, may seem from 1 Samuel 12:12; although it is possible that Nahash’s preparation might cause that desire, and that he did not actually come till their king was chosen. Will serve The occasion of this offer was, that they saw no likelihood of relief from their brethren in Canaan. read more
1 Samuel 11:2. And lay it for a reproach upon all Israel That is, disgrace the whole Hebrew nation, by serving some of their people in this opprobrious manner; for it must necessarily have reflected great dishonour upon the whole state, that they should suffer any of their people to be served so. He probably meant also to disable them for war, in which the right eye was of most use, their shields, which they carried in their left hands, in a great measure covering their left eyes. He... read more
1 Samuel 11:3. Give us seven days respite It may seem strange, either that they should propose to submit so soon to such base conditions, if they did not receive help, or that Nahash should grant them so much respite when he saw them so abject and inclined to yield to him. But the reason of both is evident; for the elders of Jabesh thought Saul was not able to help them, having not yet taken upon him the government, but living privately, 1 Samuel 11:5; and Nahash, it is probable, was loath... read more
Saul’s victory over the Ammonites (11:1-15)Within a short time Saul had the opportunity to prove to the doubters that he was the man to lead Israel. About a century earlier the Ammonites had exercised control over Israel’s territory of Gilead, east of Jordan, till Jephthah overthrew them (Judges 10:7-8; Judges 11:29-33). Now they attacked again and seemed certain of victory (11:1-3). When he heard the news, Saul called Israel’s fighting men together (using a well recognized local procedure; cf.... read more
the men . Hebrew 'enosh. App-14 . Those who had not obeyed the summons of Judges 21:8 were extinguished, and their daughters given to remnant of Benjamin. This gave them a claim on Saul, who was a Benjamite. read more
a covenant . Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read this word in the text, which already implies it. right eyes . As the shield covered the left eye, the right was necessary for seeing. The loss of it incapacitated men from fighting. read more
seven days. A very short respite. coasts = borders. man to save us = saviour. read more
THE THIRD AND FINAL PHASE OF SAUL'S SELECTION AS GOD'S APPOINTED KING OF ISRAELThe first phase of Saul's rise to the kingship was his anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1), which was a secret to the general public and even to members of Saul's family. The second phase was his choice by the casting of lots at Mizpah, which was generally known throughout Israel, but not known universally in Israel and not even accepted by all the people. On this account, Samuel sent everyone to his own home, and... read more
1 Samuel 11:1-2. Then Nahash the Ammonite— Saul had not long to wait for an occasion to shew himself worthy of the kingdom of Israel. Nahash, a king or general of the Ammonites, came against Israel. This was one of the pretences which the Israelites made use of for a change of government, ch. 1 Samuel 12:12.; and it seems that they had sufficient grounds for a fear of this invasion, as Nahash appears to have been a man of a most cruel and insolent disposition, from the terms which he proposed... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 11:3
The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, by elders (Judges 8:14, Judges 8:16, etc.). read more